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10 Ways to Not Land an Interview or a Job at TVI

Author: Mahdad

We know the job hunting process is a pain. We’ve all been there. Part of our culture at TVI is to always be learning from our mistakes and teaching each other so we don’t repeat them again. We are also extremely detail oriented and want to work with the best! Here are 10 reasons why you may not have landed an interview or a job at TVI. Did you make any of these mistakes in the application process that you could learn from? We hope it helps you in your applications at other companies or for other positions at TVI.

10. Your cover letter had typos, the wrong company name, bad grammar, or showed nothing about you knowing anything about TVI. Perhaps it was painfully generic. We’re not looking to be one of 100 companies you apply to with the same cover letter but with a different address at the top.

9. You didn’t follow simple instructions in the job posting. We assess candidates with simple preliminary tests. Fail that and we don’t even look at your resume or cover letter. Was there a request in the job posting to maybe fill out a questionnaire, design a quick mockup, or perhaps produce some quick code?

8. You did not meet the requirements in the job posting and were instead hoping that by some miracle we would hire you because you’re interested or really passionate about the job. It’s not just about passion and interest as much as we do look for that and it can take you a long way. Like any relationship you have to offer what we’re SPECIFICALLY looking for (per the job posting) and we obviously have to offer what you’re looking for. It has to be a win-win.

7. You didn’t get creative. Huh? We’re a creative agency! It’s what we do! We should see that all the way through the application process with you. Especially if you’re applying for a creative position! If you’re applying for something more analytical or more on the business side, you can still tell us what you do creatively on the side or why you think you’d fit in with our creative team and culture.

6. Presentation and attention to detail. If you can’t take the time to prepare well formatted resumes, online portfolios and cover letters, you won’t make the cut. Sorry.

5. You didn’t connect with us. Don’t approach us like we’re some 10,000 person corporate giant, resulting in you writing to the “Human Resources Director”. We’re a small team. Get to know us before you apply and connect with us. We don’t bite.

4. Sometimes great candidates just don’t feel right. We know it’s always hard to get to the final round and not land the job. But fitting in with our culture is important for you and us. Sometimes we just go with our gut. These decisions are tough for us and you can’t do too much about it.

3. You’re telling us how much you want to get paid before we even meet you. While we may request a salary range to make sure your expectations are within our budget, discussions about salary are best suited for when we give you an offer. We always make it clear in job postings what the salary range will be. If you’re not comfortable with that range please don’t start off by telling us you need to get paid more.

2. Typos! Did we say this already? Yes we did. It’s that important. Maybe 1 typo or malformed sentence we’ll let slip. We’re all human after all. But 2 or 3 in your resume or cover and it ends up in the trash, marked “doesn’t care enough”. Get someone to proofread your application before submitting it. Take your time.

1. You didn’t go out of your way … to SHOW US HOW YOU’RE DIFFERENT! Remember that for every position we get dozens, sometimes hundreds of applications even. We need to notice your application right from the start, and your skills and passion throughout the interview process. Another candidate might have outdone you. Stand out and stand out smart!